TW201328273A - Remote management system and remote management method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a virtual redundant network interface. In a remote system, a media access controller has a first MAC address, and a programmable logic device has a second MAC address and a third MAC address. When a first network frame is exchanged between a first computer and a CPU through a first network interface, the first network frame uses the first MAC address as the destination or source address. The programmable logic device converts data in different protocols from a second computer into data in Ethernet protocol. When CPU exchanges data with the second computer through the programmable logic device, the second MAC address is used as an identification of data destination or data source. When a second network frame is exchanged between the programmable logic device and first computer through a second network interface, the second network frame uses the third MAC address as destination or source address.

Description

Remote management system and remote management method

The present invention relates to remote management, and in particular to a remote management system and remote management method with network redundancy function.

The Keyboard-Video-Mouse Switch (KVM Switch) allows users to control multiple computers with a single keyboard, screen and mouse, while the IP-based KVM Switch refers to the IP-based KVM Switch. A multi-computer switch with a network interface, which further enables users of desktop or notebook computers (central control computers) to manage multiple remotely controlled computers and view controlled computers via the network. The picture from the road.

The network type KVM switch is coupled to the central control computer by its network interface and connected to one or more controlled computers by its computer. The network type KVM switch will capture the video signal output by the controlled computer and convert it into a network frame and transmit it to the central control computer. The central control computer will also convert the keyboard or mouse signal into a network. The frame is transmitted to the network type KVM switch. For example, a Taiwan-based manager can remotely manage or control a server located in a US computer room through a networked KVM switch.

The network type KVM switch can connect a plurality of controlled computers to receive the analog video signals output by the plurality of computer switches, and then the image processing unit converts the analog image signals into a plurality of consecutive digital still images. Hey. Generally, each static image is further divided into a plurality of blocks. After comparing the blocks corresponding to the two static images, the blocks with different pixel values can be found. The pixel values of these different blocks are then transmitted via the network to the remote central control computer via the JPEG encoding compression technology. The remote central computer decodes these frames. And after processing, these pictures can be seen through their screens.

At the same time, the central control computer will also transmit control signals such as its keyboard or mouse to the network type KVM switch through the network, and the network type KVM switch recognizes that the destination of these control signals is charged. After the computer, these control signals will be forwarded to the controlled computer. After receiving the control signals, the controlled computer will output the image signals to the network type KVM switch according to these control signals. With the above image processing of the network type KVM switch, the user of the central control computer can see the image output of the controlled computer on its screen, so that the user of the central control computer can manage and control this remotely. A plurality of controlled computers connected to the network type KVM switch.

As shown in Figure 1A, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the OSI model in 1984, dividing the entire network system into seven layers, each of which is responsible for a specific job, the lower level. The higher the correlation between architecture and hardware, the higher the correlation between the higher-level architecture and software. The first layer is called the Physical Layer, which specifies: (1) the media specification for transmitting information; (2) the specifications for presenting and transmitting the data as entities; and (3) the specifications of the connectors. The second layer is called the Data Link Layer, which specifies: (1) synchronization; (2) debugging; (3) establishing a Media Access Control Method (MAC Method), for example CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection). Therefore, in general, an Ethernet card mainly includes a medium access control (MAC), a physical layer (PHY), and a transceiver (Transceiver). In addition, Figure 1A also shows the correspondence between the OSI model and the DoD model and the TCP/IP protocol combination.

As shown in FIG. 1B, according to the IEEE 802.3 standard, the Ethernet frame EP system includes the following fields: (1) Preamble field N ₁ ; (2) Destination MAC address field N ₂ (3) Source MAC address field N ₃ ; (4) Length field N ₄ ; (5) Payload field N ₅ ; (6) Frame check sequence (FCS) ) Field N ₆ . The length of the synchronization field N ₁ is 8 bytes, and the first 7 bytes are composed of a series of 10110.....cyclic strings for providing system signal synchronization (Synchronization) work, followed by The byte is a 10101011 string representing the end of the synchronization and the beginning of the frame. This byte is different from the first 7 bytes in the last two bits, so IEEE 802.3 is in the field. Define this byte separately, called Start Frame Delimiter (SFD); the destination MAC address field N ₂ and the source MAC address field N ₃ are 6 bytes long. The length field N _{4 has} a length of 2 bytes; the bearer data field N _{5 has} a length of 46 to 1500 bytes, which is a location for placing data information, and the data message also includes the network. The header information of the upper layer protocol such as layer and transport layer, because from the perspective of the second layer Ethernet architecture, these messages belonging to the upper layer protocol are only part of the data; the length of the frame check result field N ₆ is 4 bytes to check whether the frame data bit is correct, The Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) method operates on the destination address, source address, and bearer data (excluding preamble and SFD). Therefore, the lengths of the fields N ₁ to N ₆ are added to obtain a length of each of the Ethernet frames EP between 64 and 1518 bytes.

Based on the consideration of setup cost and circuit design complexity, the traditional network type KVM switch usually has only one network connection port and a single MAC controller, so it does not have the function of network redundancy (Redundancy). In general, in order to implement the network backup function, the network type KVM switch usually has two sets of MAC controllers to provide two sets of MAC addresses for external network communication. The MAC address is used as an identification mark when two nodes (Nodes) in the Ethernet communicate with each other, and is used to mark a source address and a destination address in a frame.

However, when the two sets of MAC controllers are outside the central processor, the central processor must be configured with a special interface (such as PCI interface) to communicate with the two external MAC controllers, and the PCI interface settings. The cost is quite high. If you want to use two CPUs with built-in MAC controller function to implement network backup function, the cost will be higher, and the designer must properly coordinate the master-slave relationship between the two central processors. Significantly increased the complexity of the circuit design.

Therefore, the present invention provides a remote management system and a remote management method to solve the above problems encountered in the prior art.

A specific embodiment of the present invention is a remote management system. The remote management system is configured to enable the first computer to manage and control one or more second computers via the network. The remote management system includes at least a remote management device and a code.

The remote management device includes at least a computer interface, a first network interface, a second network interface, an image processing module, a central processing unit, a media access controller, and a programmable logic component. The computer interface is coupled to the one or more second computers. The programmable logic component couples the computer interface to the central processor. The media access controller has a first media access control (MAC) address. The programmable logic element has a second media access control address and a third media access control address.

The image processing module is configured to capture, encode, and/or compress images output by the one or more second computers. The central processing unit is used to convert the encoded and/or compressed image into a network frame. The media access controller corresponds to the central processor. When the first computer communicates with the central processing unit to exchange the first network frame, the first network frame is transmitted via the first network interface and the first media access control address is used as the destination address (Destination Address) ) or source address (Source Address). The programmable logic component is used to convert a plurality of different protocol data from the second computer into data conforming to the Ethernet protocol. When the central processor exchanges data with the second computer via the programmable logic element, the second media access control address is used as a source or destination tag. When the network backup function is activated, the programmable logic element communicates with the first computer via the second network interface to exchange the second network frame, and the second network frame is controlled by the third medium access control. The address is the destination address or source address.

The code is executed on the first computer to provide a management interface for managing the remote management device, so that the first computer can communicate with the remote management device and move the first computer to generate a keyboard or cursor. The control signal can be transmitted to the remote management device, and the image outputted on behalf of the one or more second computers can be displayed on the first computer, thereby enabling the first computer to interact with the second computer. .

In an embodiment, the programmable logic component further converts the second network frame into the third network frame and transmits the second network frame to the central processing unit after receiving the second network frame from the first computer, and The third network frame uses the second media access control address as the source address. Because the third network frame contains the message of the second network frame, the central processor can recognize that the real source of the frame is the first computer (not the second computer).

In an embodiment, the third network frame uses the second network frame as a payload.

In an embodiment, the central processing unit further transmits the fourth network frame to the first computer via the programmable logic element, and the fourth network frame uses the third medium access control address as the source address.

In an embodiment, the remote management system further includes at least a local area network switch (LAN switch) for arranging the network between the central processing unit, the programmable logic component, the first network interface, and the second network interface. The path to the frame.

In one embodiment, the programmable logic component is a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a special application integrated circuit (Application). Selected from a group consisting of Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

In one embodiment, the second media access control address and the third media access control address are assigned by the central processor.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a remote management method. The remote management method is for enabling the first computer to manage and control the second computer via the network. The remote management method includes the steps of: (a) capturing, encoding, and/or compressing the image output by the second computer; and (b) converting the encoded and/or compressed image into a network frame; Networking communication with the first computer via the first network interface to exchange the first network frame, the first network frame using the first media access control address as the destination address or source address; (d) Converting a plurality of different protocol data from the second computer to data conforming to the Ethernet protocol; (e) exchanging data with the second computer and using the second media access control address as a source of data or purpose; (f) Network communication with the first computer via the second network interface to exchange the second network frame, and the second network frame uses the third media access control address as the destination address or source address; (g) Executing code on a computer to provide a management interface for managing the remote management device, enabling the first computer to communicate with the remote management device and causing the first computer to generate control signals related to keyboard or cursor movement Can be transmitted to the remote management device And causing a second computer output representative of the image can be displayed on the first computer.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a remote management method. The remote management method is implemented in a remote management device that enables the first computer to manage and control the second computer via the network. The remote management device includes a central processing unit, a programmable logic component, a first network interface, and a second network interface. The central processor has a first MAC address and the programmable logic element has a second MAC address and a third MAC address. The remote management method includes at least the following steps: (a) providing a remote management device between the first computer and the second computer; (b) establishing communication between the remote management device and the first computer to be in the first computer The network frame is exchanged with the second computer, and the network frame represents a keyboard or cursor control signal output by the first computer or an image output by the second computer. The step (b) further includes the following steps: (b1) the first network frame is exchanged between the central processing unit and the first computer via the first network interface, and the first network frame is configured by using the first MAC address. a destination address or a source address; (b2) exchanging a second network frame between the programmable logic component and the first computer via the second network interface, and the second network frame The third MAC address is used as the destination address or source address. When the programmable logic component is the receiving end of the second network frame, the step (b2) further comprises the following steps: (b2-1) the programmable logic component converts the second network frame into the third network message. The frame is transmitted to the central processing unit, and the third network frame uses the second MAC address as the source address; when the programmable logic element is used as the transmitting end of the second network frame, the step (b2) further includes the following Step: (b2-2) The programmable logic element converts the fourth network frame from the central processing unit into the second network frame, and the fourth network frame uses the second MAC address as the destination address.

Compared with the prior art, the remote management system and the remote management method according to the present invention can provide network backup without a central processing unit having a special PCI interface or two central processing units having a MAC controller function. The function of (Redundancy) can overcome the problems of high setup cost and complicated circuit design encountered by the prior art. Therefore, the present invention can provide a network backup function with low cost and simple circuit design. Advantages of the network type KVM switch.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a remote management system. Please refer to FIG. 2A, which is a schematic structural diagram of a remote management system according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the remote management system of the present invention includes at least the remote management device 10 and the code PG, so that the first computer (the central control computer) A can manage and control one or more devices via the network N. Two computers (controlled computers) B ₁ ~ B ₃ . The code PG is executed on the first computer A to provide a management interface for managing the remote management device 10, so that the first computer A can communicate with the remote management device 10 and make the first computer. A control signal generated by the keyboard or cursor about the movement can be transmitted to remote management apparatus 10, and causing a second or more representatives of the computer B ₁ ~ B ₃ of the video output can be displayed on the first computer A . In addition, the remote management device 10 can also be coupled to a local control device at the local end, such as a display DS, a keyboard KB, or a mouse MS. To extend the remote management apparatus 10 and the distance B between the second computer _3, the distal end 10 and the second management apparatus B can be accessed by a computer from a computer coupled between the interface module CIM _3, but is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, the code PG can be a web browser, a combination of a web browser and a plugin, or any other suitable application. As the first computer A uses a different operating system, the code PG may have a different version. In addition, the program is provided by the vendor of the remote management system. The functions of this management interface include but are not limited to: list all available controlled computers, display/edit the name of the controlled computer, list the open space of the uncontrolled computer, set the remote management device, etc. .

As shown in FIG. 2B, the remote management device 10 of the present invention includes at least a computer interface 100, a first network interface 101, a second network interface 102, a central processing unit 103, a regional network switch 104, and a switching module. 105. A differential receiving module 106 and a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device) 107. The programmable logic component 107 and the central processing unit 103 are located in different integrated circuit packages, and the programmable logic component 107 can programmatically change or add its logical functions. The central processing unit 103 includes an image processing module 103a, a media access controller 103b, and a screen display menu 103c. The remote management device 10 is coupled to the one or more second computers B ₁ -B ₃ by the computer interface 100, and is coupled to the first network interface 101 or the second network interface 102 through the network N. First computer A or other network device ONA. In more detail, the computer interface 100 is coupled to the image output port of the one or more second computers B ₁ to B ₃ and the keyboard/mouse mouse. The computer interface 100 receives the images output by the second computers B ₁ -B ₃ and sends them to the image processing module 103a for image processing. The computer interface 100 may include multiple RJ-45 connectors, video connectors, PS2 connectors, USB connectors, or audio connectors, but is not limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, extending to the distal end 10 is disposed between the management apparatus 10 B ₃ and the second computer and a second distance between the computer ₃ B, the distal end of the device management computer interface module CIM. The computer interface module CIM is also called an adapter (Adapter), a single (Dongle), a server interface module (Sever Interface Module, SIM) or a RIP (Rack Interface Pod). The computer interface module CIM is a device externally connected to the second computer B ₃ , and has a casing and a plurality of cables extending outward from the casing, and has a plurality of connectors at one end of the cable away from the casing. For example, a VGA connector and a USB connector are used to electrically connect to a second computer (for example, B ₁ ). It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that in order to connect second computers B ₁ -B ₃ having different interfaces, the USB connector can be replaced by a PS/2 or other connector; the VGA connector can be a DVI connector Or replaced by an HDMI connector. In addition, the housing of the computer interface module CIM is further provided with an RJ-45 interface and a plurality of light number displays, wherein the RJ-45 interface is used to connect a CAT-5 cable or one of other similar cables, such as CAT- 5e or CAT-6. The other end of the CAT-5 cable is connected to the computer interface 100 of the remote management device 10. The light display is used to display the status of the computer interface module CIM.

The differential driver module of the computer interface module CIM converts the image (usually a single-ended signal) output by the second computer (for example, B ₁ ) into several differential image signals and outputs the signals to the remote management device. 10, to increase the distance that the image can be transmitted (for example, up to 1000 inches). Other signals may be included in these differential image signals, such as vertical/horizontal sync signals or test signals for detecting image attenuation or color shift (Skew).

In a preferred embodiment, the computer interface module CIM may be a KA7170, KA7176 or KA7177 provided by Acer Automation, and the differential drive module may be an AD8146, AD8147 or AD8148 provided by Analog Devices. Not limited to this. In addition, an FPGA, an ASIC, an oscillator, or any other suitable signal generating device may be selectively disposed in the computer interface module CIM for generating the foregoing test signal. A multiplexer (Multiplexer) may also be provided in the computer interface module CIM for controlling the timing at which the test signal and the vertical/horizontal synchronization signal are mixed in the differential image signal. This test signal does not affect the normal display of the screen via appropriate time control and filtering.

In addition to the remote control device 10 of the present invention, in order to be able to control the remote management device 10 from the near end, the remote management device 10 can be provided with a set of local port 108 for connecting a Group local control devices, such as a set of screen DS, keyboard KB and mouse MS or other cursor control devices. The local control device at the local end can exchange the image of the second computer B ₁ -B ₃ and the control signal of the keyboard/mouse with the central processing unit 103 of the remote management device 10 via the local port connection 108.

In a preferred embodiment, in order for the second computer B ₁ ~ B ₃ simulates keyboard / mouse or other device to provide hot-swap (Hot Plug) function, the computer interface 100 may further include one or more USB devices Controller (USB Device Controller) 100a. When the USB device controller 100a simulated as a keyboard / mouse, the second computer B ₁ ~ B ₃ i.e. USB device controller 100a will be considered as a human interface device (the HID); if other means into an analog USB device controller 100a (For example, a hard disk drive, a CD player, or a flash drive), the second computer B ₁ to B ₃ regards the USB device controller 100a as a mass storage device. Alternatively, the human interface device and the mass storage device are simultaneously simulated by a single USB device controller 100a. When the above computer interface module CIM is used, the USB device controller 100a is located in the casing of the computer interface module CIM. Further, the management apparatus 10 when the distal switch between different second computer B ₁ ~ B _3, corresponding to the different second computer B USB device controller 100a is ₁ ~ B ₃ B ₁ may be such that the second computer There is no need to perform an initialization process between ~B ₃ and the USB device controller 100a, such as an enumeration process according to the USB protocol.

The image processing module 103a is configured to capture, encode, and/or compress images output by the one or more second computers B ₁ -B ₃ . The capture process may include signal sampling, color coordinate conversion, and conversion of analog signals into digital signals; encoding and/or compression may include JPEG, JPEG2000, or Wavelet Transform. YUV/444, YUV/422, YUV/421, YUV/420 or YUV/411 conversion methods may be used in the encoding and/or compression of images, but not limited thereto. The compression method can include lossy compression or lossless compression.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in a preferred embodiment, the image processing module 103a and the media access controller 103b are correspondingly integrated and integrated in the central processing unit 103 so as to be encoded by the image processing module 103a and/or The compressed image data can be converted into a network frame by the central processing unit 103. In fact, the central processing unit 103 may be the AST2100 provided by ASPEED, but not limited thereto. In addition, the central processing unit 103 can also integrate a virtual hub controller (Human Hub Controller), a human interface device controller (HID Controller), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), and a flash memory (Flash Memory). , IPMI Baseboard Management Controller (BMC), VGA Controller (VGA Controller), VGA Driver (VGA Driver), and On-Screen Display (OSD).

In addition, an image switching module 105 and a differential receiving module 106 may be further disposed between the computer interface 100 and the central processing unit 103 or the image processing module 103a. The image switching module 105 can have a plurality of input ends and a plurality of output ends, and the image switching module 105 selects one or more of the plurality of differential image sources (for example, corresponding to different computer ports in the computer interface 100). The differential images are output to the differential receiving module 106, and the differential receiving module 106 converts the one or more differential images into single-ended images and outputs them to the central processing unit 103 or the image processing module 103a. In a preferred embodiment, the image switching module 105 can be one or more crosspoint switches (such as the AD8177 provided by Analog Devices) or a switch composed of multiple multiplexers (such as the 74HC4052). The matrix; the differential receiving module 106 can be an AD8145 provided by Analog Devices, but is not limited thereto.

The media access controller 103b in the central processing unit 103 is configured to control the use rights of the transmission medium and form or process an Ethernet frame having a first MAC address when the first computer A or other network device ONA When the network device communicates with the central processing unit 103 to exchange the first network frame, the first network frame is transmitted via the first network interface 101 and uses the first MAC address as the destination address or source address. . This media access controller 103b has communication capabilities of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps.

In general, the so-called MAC address is a unique set of identification tags, and the IP address may be part of the bearer data of the Ethernet frame (because the IP layer is the upper layer protocol of the MAC layer according to the aforementioned model, so The IP packet is included in the Ethernet frame, so the two are not the same. MAC address A set of identification tags of length 6 bytes, where the first 3 bytes are called vendor bytes and the last 3 bytes are called sequence numbers. A MAC address is also commonly referred to as a Physical Address, a Hardware Address, or a Layer 2 address. The MAC address is usually stored in an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). The IP address is a set of 32-bit identification tags used to mark the source and destination of the IP packet, including the Network ID and Host ID. In a normal case, the first computer A or other network device ONA communicates with the central processing unit 103 via the first network interface 101 and the first MAC address. When the network backup function is enabled, the second network interface 102 and the programmable logic element 107 can be used for external network communication. However, the first network interface 101, the second network interface 102, and its mating components can also be used simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 2C, when the remote management device 10 serves as the receiving end, the main workflow of the media access controller 103b is as follows: when the remote management device 10 receives the frame (step S10), step S12 is performed. Check if the frame length is less than 64 bytes. If the result of the check in step S12 is YES, step S14 is performed, and the frame is discarded, and no processing is performed; if the result of step S12 is no, step S16 is performed to check whether the destination MAC address and its own MAC address in the frame are the same.

If the result of the check in step S16 is no, step S14 is executed, the frame is discarded, and no processing is performed; if the result of step S16 is YES, step S18 is performed to check whether the CRC value is correct. If the result of the check in the step S18 is no, the representative frame is damaged. Therefore, the step S14 is executed, and the frame is discarded, and the processing is not performed. If the result of the step S18 is YES, the step S20 is performed to check whether the frame length is greater than 1518. One byte. This frame length does not include the aforementioned sync field (8 bytes).

If the result of the check in step S20 is YES, step S14 is executed, the frame is discarded, and no processing is performed; if the result of step S20 is no, step S22 is performed to remove the header and the trailer. Then, in step S24, the bearer data is transmitted to the upper layer protocol for subsequent processing. According to the foregoing model, the bearer data includes an IP packet. It should be noted that, in step S16, according to the protocol of the Ethernet, when the destination MAC address is 0xFFFFFFFFFFFF (all bits are 1), it means that all the receiving ends must process the frame.

Referring to FIG. 2D, when the remote management device 10 functions as a transmitting end, the main workflow of the media access controller 103b is as follows: when the remote management device 10 is ready to transmit a frame (step S30), step S32 is performed. , to detect whether there is a gap. If the detection result of step S32 is no, step S32 is re-executed; if the detection result of step S32 is yes, step S34 is performed to determine whether the neutral time lasts 96Bit-time. In 100Mbps Ethernet, 96Bit-time is 0.96 microseconds; in 10Mbps Ethernet, 96Bit-time is 9.6 microseconds. If the result of the determination in the step S34 is NO, the step S32 is re-executed; if the result of the determination in the step S34 is YES, the step S36 is executed to send the frame.

Next, step S38 is performed to determine whether a collision has occurred. If the result of the determination in the step S38 is NO, the step S42 is executed, and the transfer is completed. If the result of the decision in the step S38 is YES, the step S40 is executed to notify the other nodes that the collision has occurred. After step S40, step S44 is performed to determine whether the collision has occurred 16 times. If the result of the determination in the step S44 is NO, the step S32 is re-executed; if the result of the determination in the step S44 is YES, the step S48 is executed to abandon the transmission and notify the upper layer.

In addition, when the remote management device 10 serves as the transmitting end, the media access controller 103b may further perform the following steps: determining whether the length of the frame to be sent is less than 64 bytes, and if the length is less than 64 bytes, Some padding bits (Padding); plus destination address and source address; generate CRC value; plus header and footer.

Returning to FIG. 2B, as shown, the programmable logic component 107 couples the computer interface 100 to the central processor 103. Because the second computer B ₁ -B ₃ may use a variety of different protocols (such as UART, USB, PS/2 or audio) for external communication, in one embodiment, the programmable logic element 107 is primarily used as a protocol converter ( Protocol Converter) for converting data of a plurality of different protocols received by the computer interface 100 from the second computer B ₁ to B ₃ into data of a single protocol (for example, Ethernet) and transmitting the data to the central processing unit 103 to reduce The burden on the central processor 103. In addition, the programmable logic component 107 can also be used to decode the image related signal transmitted by the computer interface module CIM to capture/restore the vertical/horizontal synchronization signal in the differential signal for the local end screen DS. use. In a preferred embodiment, the programmable logic component 107 is composed of a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a special application complex. Selected by a group consisting of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). For example, if the programmable logic component uses a field programmable gate array, it can be SPARTAN 6 provided by XILINK, but not limited thereto.

In a preferred embodiment, the programmable logic component 107 can also perform the functions of the media access controller and thus can be viewed as having another media access controller 107a. The programmable logic element 107 has a second MAC address and a third MAC address, wherein the second MAC address and the third MAC address are assigned by the central processor 103 after power up. When the central processing unit 103 exchanges data with the second computer B ₁ -B ₃ through the programmable logic element 107, the second MAC address is used as a data source or destination mark; when the programmable logic element 107 is externally connected to the first computer When A or other network device ONA performs network communication to exchange the second network frame, the second network frame is transmitted via the second network interface 102 and uses the third MAC address as the destination address or source address. Thus, the programmable logic component 107 can be considered a virtual media access controller 107a. The second network interface 102 can serve as a redundant network interface. That is, when the programmable logic component 107 transmits the network frame to the first computer A or other network device ONA, the third MAC address is used as the source address of the frame; when the first computer A or other network When the device ONA transmits the network frame to the programmable logic element 107, the third MAC address is used as the destination address of the frame. In summary, the first computer A or other network device ONA will consider the remote management device 10 to have two MAC addresses (a first MAC address and a third MAC address). The two network frames may include signals from the first computer A representing the keyboard and/or cursor control, or virtual media related data.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the remote management apparatus of the present invention, when the programmable logic component 107 receives the second network frame NP ₂ from the first computer A or other network device ONA, The programmable logic component 107 does not interpret and parse the bearer data of the second network frame NP ₂ according to the steps shown in the foregoing FIG. 2C, but instead uses the second network frame NP _{2 .} It is converted to the third network frame NP _{3 and} then transmitted to the central processing unit 103. In other words, the programmable logic component 107 communicates with the upper layer protocol (IP layer) through the central processor 103. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3B, the second network frame NP ₂ and the third network frame NP ₃ may both be Ethernet frames, and the conversion refers to the third network message. The frame NP ₃ uses the second network frame NP ₂ as at least a part of the bearer data, and the third network frame NP ₃ uses the second MAC address as the source address, so that the total length of the third network frame NP ₃ is greater than The total length of the second network frame NP ₂ . Then, the central processing unit 103 performs the above-mentioned analysis and control on the second network frame NP ₂ in the bearer data of the third network frame NP ₃ , for example, from the second network message. The IP packet is taken out in block NP ₂ and then transmitted to the upper layer protocol. However, in a preferred embodiment, the programmable logic component 107 does not include the synchronization field of the second frame NP ₂ in the bearer data of the third network frame NP ₃ .

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the remote management apparatus of the present invention, the central processing unit 103 can further perform external network communication via the network N via the programmable logic element 107. For example, the central processing unit 103 can transmit the fourth network frame NP ₄ to the first computer A or other network device ONA via the network N via the programmable logic element 107. However, the central processing unit 103 does not directly transmit the fourth network frame NP ₄ to the first computer A or other network device ONA to the programmable logic device 107, but first transmits the fifth network frame NP _{5 .} a programmable logic element 107 may be, then the programmable logic network element 107 of the fifth frame information is converted into a fourth network NP ₅ information block NP _4. The fifth network frame NP ₅ uses the second MAC address as the destination address; the first MAC address is used as the source address. In more detail, after receiving the fifth network frame NP ₅ , the programmable logic component 107 converts the bearer data of the fifth network frame NP ₅ into the fourth network frame NP ₄ and transmits the data. Go out. The fourth network frame NP ₄ uses the first computer MAC address as the destination address and the third MAC address as the source address. However, in a preferred embodiment, the central processing unit 103 does not include the synchronization field of the fourth network frame NP ₄ in the bearer data of the fifth network frame NP ₅ , but is programmable. The logic component 107 receives the fifth network frame NP ₅ and adds a synchronization field. The four network frame NP ₄ can contain image related data from the second computer.

When the central processing unit 103 wants to transmit the fourth network frame NP ₄ to the first computer A or other network device ONA via the programmable logic element 107, the fifth network frame NP ₅ is first generated. As shown in FIG. 4B, the fifth network frame NP ₅ will use the fourth network frame NP ₄ as its bearer data (may not include the synchronization field), and the destination address of the fifth network frame NP ₅ It is the second MAC address, but the fourth network frame NP ₄ among the bearer data is the MAC address of the first computer A or other network device ONA as the destination address. After the programmable logic component 107 receives the fifth network frame NP ₅ , the destination address, the source address, and the frame check result are removed, and only the fourth network frame NP ₄ in the bearer data is removed. Add the sync field and send it out. Such a process would cause the first computer A or other network device ONA to believe that the fourth network frame NP ₄ is directly issued by the programmable logic element 107 (virtual MAC controller) to interact with it. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the converting includes retaining the bearer data of the fourth network frame NP ₄ ; replacing the source address of the frame from the first MAC address to the third MAC address; and the destination address of the frame Replaced by the second MAC address with the first computer MAC address.

It is worth noting that because the programmable logic element has a high degree of flexibility, it can be programmed to change or add its logical functions. Therefore, the present invention can not only simulate a virtual MAC controller, and the programmable logic element 107 of the present invention. More virtual MAC controllers can also be simulated as needed, such that the first computer A or other network device ONA considers the remote management device 10 of the present invention to have three or more MAC controllers. According to the spirit of the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can recognize that the second virtual MAC controller simulated by the programmable logic component 107 will use the fourth MAC address as the source or destination of the frame. The fifth MAC address will be used as the source or destination of the frame for external communication.

The remote management device 10 of the present invention may further include a local area network switch (LAN switch) 104 for the central processing unit 103, the programmable logic element 107, the first network interface 101, and The transmission path of the above network frame is arranged between the second network interfaces 102. The area network switcher 104 can arrange an appropriate path according to the MAC address in the network frame. In practical applications, the local area network switcher 104 may be the RTL8367 provided by REALTEK, but not limited thereto.

In another preferred embodiment, programmable logic element 107 uses only a single MAC address (i.e., a second MAC address). When the programmable logic component 107 performs internal data exchange with the central processing unit 103, the second MAC address is used as a data source or destination tag; when the programmable logic component 107 is externally connected to the first computer A or other network device When the ONA performs network communication, the second MAC address is also used as a data source or destination mark. In more detail, when the programmable logic component 107 receives the second network frame NP ₂ from the first computer A or other network device ONA, the destination address of the second network frame NP ₂ is The second MAC address is replaced by the first MAC address and then transmitted to the central processing unit 103 by the local area network switch 104, and then the central processing unit 103 analyzes the second network frame NP ₂ (according to the foregoing FIG. 2C The steps shown) and the subsequent response (response). When the programmable logic component 107 receives the network frame from the central processing unit 103 (the destination is the first computer A or other network device ONA), the source address of the network frame is from the first MAC. The address is replaced by the second MAC address and transmitted to the first computer A or other network device ONA.

The central processing unit 103 of FIG. 2B can be regarded as having a seven-layer protocol of the OSI model at the same time, and the programmable logic element 107 only performs the function of the second layer (chain layer) of the model of the OSI, the first network interface 101 and the second The network interface 102 can be considered as the first layer (physical layer) of the OSI model. Therefore, according to the OSI model, the central processing unit 103 has at least a first link layer and a network layer; the programmable logic element 107 has a second link layer. The programmable logic component 107 is only responsible for receiving and forwarding (via a local area network switch 104) the Ethernet frames belonging to the second layer. The programmable logic component 107 does not take out the IP packet from the Ethernet frame, and the IP packet in the Ethernet frame is handled by the first link layer of the central processing unit 103. It is taken out and then processed by the upper layer protocol (network layer) implemented by the central processing unit 103.

Compared with the prior art, the remote management system and the remote management method according to the present invention can provide network backup without a central processing unit having a special PCI interface or two central processing units having a MAC controller function. The function of (Redundancy) can overcome the problems of high setup cost and complicated circuit design encountered by the prior art. Therefore, the present invention is a network capable of providing virtual network backup function and having low cost and simple circuit design. KVM switch.

The features and spirit of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents within the scope of the invention as claimed.

S10~S48. . . Process step

EP. . . Ethernet frame

N ₁ ~N ₆ . . . Field

10. . . Remote management device

PG. . . Code

A. . . First computer (central control computer)

B ₁ ~ B ₃ . . . Second computer (controlled computer)

N. . . network

DS. . . monitor

KB. . . keyboard

MS. . . mouse

CIM. . . Computer interface module

100. . . Computer interface

101. . . First network interface

102. . . Second network interface

103. . . CPU

104. . . Regional network switcher

105. . . Switching module

106. . . Differential receiving module

107. . . Programmable logic component

103a. . . Image processing module

103b, 107a. . . Media access controller

103c. . . Screen display menu

ONA. . . Other network devices

108. . . Local port connection埠

100a. . . USB device controller

NP ₂ . . . Second network frame

NP ₃ . . . Third network frame

NP ₄ . . . Fourth network frame

NP ₅ . . . Fifth network frame

USER. . . user

Fig. 1A is a diagram showing the correspondence between the structures of the conventional OSI model, the DoD model, and the TCP/IP protocol combination and each other.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a field included in the conventional Ethernet standard 802.3 standard according to the IEEE 802.3 standard.

2A is a schematic diagram showing the architecture of the remote management system of the present invention.

2B is a detailed functional block diagram of the remote management device of the present invention.

Figure 2C shows the main working flow chart of the media access controller when the remote management device is used as the receiving end.

The 2D figure shows the main working flow chart of the media access controller when the remote management device is used as the transmitting end.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing that the programmable logic component converts the second network frame into the third network frame and transmits the signal to the central processing unit.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing the third network frame using the second network frame as at least a part of the bearer data.

Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing the programmable logic component converting the fifth network frame into the fourth network frame and transmitting it through the network.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing the fifth network frame using the fourth network frame as at least a part of the bearer data.

10. . . Remote management device

PG. . . Code

A. . . First computer (central control computer)

B ₁ ~ B ₃ . . . Second computer (controlled computer)

N. . . network

DS. . . monitor

KB. . . keyboard

MS. . . mouse

CIM. . . Computer interface module

100. . . Computer interface

101. . . First network interface

102. . . Second network interface

103. . . CPU

104. . . Regional network switcher

105. . . Switching module

106. . . Differential receiving module

107. . . Programmable logic component

103a. . . Image processing module

103b, 107a. . . Media access controller

103c. . . Screen display menu

ONA. . . Other network devices

108. . . Local port connection埠

100a. . . USB device controller

Claims (17)

A remote management system, such that a first computer can manage and control one or more second computers via a network, the remote management system includes at least: a remote management device, including at least: a computer interface, coupled Connected to the one or more second computers; a first network interface; a second network interface; an image processing module, wherein the image output by the one or more second computers can be performed through the computer interface Capture, encode, and/or compress; a central processing unit to convert the encoded and/or compressed image into a network frame; a Media Access Control (MAC) device corresponding to the central a processor, the media access controller having a first media access control (MAC) address, the first network when the first computer is in network communication with the central processor to exchange a first network frame The frame is transmitted via the first network interface and the first media access control address is used as a destination address or a source address; and a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device) Computer interface And coupled to the central processor, configured to convert a plurality of different protocol data from the second computer into data conforming to an Ethernet protocol, and the programmable logic component has a second media access control address and a first a third media access control address, when the central processor exchanges data with the second computer via the programmable logic element, using the second media access control address as a data source or destination tag, when the network device is started When the function is enabled, the programmable logic component performs network communication with the first computer via the second network interface to exchange a second network frame, and the second network frame is accessed by the third media frame. Controlling the address as the destination address or the source address; and executing a code on the first computer to provide a management interface capable of managing the remote management device, so that the first computer can be networked with the remote management device The communication signal and the control signal generated by the first computer related to the movement of the keyboard or the cursor can be transmitted to the remote management device and outputted on behalf of the one or more second computers Image may be displayed on the first computer. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the programmable logic component converts the second network frame into a first frame after the programmable logic component receives the second network frame The third network frame is transmitted to the central processing unit, and the third network frame uses the second medium access control address as the source address. The remote management system of claim 2, wherein the third network frame uses the second network frame as a payload. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the central processor further transmits a fourth network frame to the first computer via the programmable logic element, and the fourth network frame The third media access control address is used as the source address. The remote management system of claim 1, further comprising at least a local area network switch (LAN switch) for the central processing unit, the programmable logic element, the first network interface, and the The path of the network frame is arranged between the second network interfaces. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the programmable logic component is a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or a Complex Programmable Logic Device. , CPLD) and a special application integrated circuit (ASIC) selected from the group consisting of. The remote management system of claim 1, wherein the second media access control address and the third media access control address are assigned by the central processor. A remote management device, such that a first computer can manage and control a second computer via a network, the remote management device includes at least: a computer interface coupled to the second computer; and a first network interface a second network interface; an image processing module capable of capturing, encoding and/or compressing images output by the second computer via the computer; a central processing unit for encoding and/or compressing The subsequent image is converted into a network frame; a media access control (MAC) device corresponding to the central processor, the media access controller having a first media access control (MAC) address, When the first computer performs network communication with the central processing unit to exchange a first network frame, the first network frame is transmitted through the first network interface and the first medium access control address is used. As a destination address or a source address (Source Address); and a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device), the computer interface is coupled to the central processor for different kinds of the second computer Translating the protocol data into data conforming to the Ethernet protocol, and the programmable logic element has a second media access control address and a third media access control address, when the central processor is coupled to the programmable logic component When the second computer performs data exchange, the second media access control address is used as a data source or a destination identifier. When the network backup function is activated, the programmable logic component passes the second network interface and the first A computer performs network communication to exchange a second network frame, and the second network frame uses the third media access control address as a destination address or a source address. A remote management method, such that a first computer can manage and control a second computer via a network, and the remote management method includes at least the following steps: (a) capturing an image output by the second computer, Encoding and/or compressing; (b) converting the encoded and/or compressed image into a network frame; (c) communicating with the first computer via a first network interface to exchange a first a network frame, wherein the first network frame uses a first media access control address as a destination address or a source address; (d) data exchange with the second computer and a second media access control address as a data source or destination tag; (e) communicating with the first computer via the second network interface to exchange a second network frame, the second network The frame uses a third media access control address as the destination address or source address; and (f) executes a code on the first computer to provide a management interface for managing a remote management device. The first computer can network with the remote management device And transmitting, by the first computer, a control signal related to the movement of the keyboard or the cursor to the remote management device, and causing the image output on behalf of the one or more second computers to be available in the first computer Displayed on. The remote management method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: converting the second network frame into a third network frame, and the third network frame is The second media access control address is used as the source address. The remote management method of claim 10, wherein the third network frame uses the second network frame as a payload. The remote management method of claim 9, further comprising the steps of: transmitting a fourth network frame to the first computer, and storing the fourth network frame by the third network frame Take the control address as the source address. A remote management method is implemented in a remote management system, wherein the remote management system enables a first computer to manage and control a second computer via a network, the remote management system having a central processing unit and a a programmable logic component, a first network interface, and a second network interface, and the central processor has a first MAC address, the programmable logic component having a second MAC address and a third MAC address, the far The terminal management method includes at least the following steps: (a) providing the remote management device between the first computer and the second computer; and (b) establishing communication between the remote management device and the first computer, The network frame is exchanged between the first computer and the second computer, and the network frame represents a keyboard or cursor control signal output by the first computer or an image output by the second computer; (b) further comprising the steps of: (b1) exchanging a first network frame with the first computer via the first network interface, and the first network frame is the first MAC address as the destination address (Destination Addre Ss) or source address (Source); or (b2) exchange a second network frame between the programmable logic element and the first computer via the second network interface, and the second network message The frame uses the third MAC address as the destination address or the source address; wherein, when the programmable logic component is the receiving end of the second network frame, the step (b2) further comprises the following steps: (b2-1) The programmable logic element converts the second network frame into a third network frame and transmits the signal to the central processing unit, and the third network frame uses the second MAC address as the source address; And when the programmable logic component is used as the transmitting end of the second network frame, the step (b2) further comprises the following steps: (b2-2) the programmable logic component is to be from the central processing unit The fourth network frame is converted into the second network frame, and the fourth network frame uses the second MAC address as the destination address. The remote management method of claim 13, wherein the third network frame uses the second network frame as a payload. The remote management device is configured to enable a first computer to interact with a second computer via a network. The remote management device includes: a computer interface coupled to the second computer; and a first network interface a second network interface; a third network interface; an image processing module capable of capturing, encoding and/or compressing images output by the second computer via the computer; a central processing unit; And causing the encoded and/or compressed image to be converted into a network frame, and processing the control signal representing the keyboard and/or the cursor; and a Media Access Control (MAC) device corresponding to the central processing The media access controller has a first media access control (MAC) address, and the first network communicates with the central processor to exchange a first network frame, the first network The frame is transmitted through the first network interface and uses the first media access control address as a destination address or a source address (Source Address); and a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device). The interface is coupled to the central processing unit, the programmable logic element has a second media access control address, a third media access control address, and a fourth media access control address; wherein when the central processor is When the programmable logic component exchanges data with the second computer, the second media access control address is used as a data source or destination identifier, and when the network backup function is enabled, the programmable logic component can pass the second The network interface communicates with the first computer to exchange a second network frame, and the second network frame uses the third media access control address as a destination address or a source address; when the network is started In the backup function, the programmable logic component can communicate with the first computer via the third network interface to exchange a third network frame, and the third network frame uses the fourth medium The access control address is used as the destination address or source address. A remote management device, such that a first computer can interact with a second computer via a network management, the remote management device includes at least: a computer interface coupled to the second computer; and a first network a second network interface; an image processing module capable of capturing, encoding and/or compressing images output by the second computer via the computer; a central processing unit to enable the encoding and/or The compressed image is converted into a network frame, and the control signal representing the keyboard and/or the cursor is processed; a media access control (MAC) device corresponding to the central processor, the media access The controller has a first media access control (MAC) address, and the first Ethernet frame is used when the first computer is in network communication with the central processor to exchange a first Ethernet frame. Passing through the first network interface and using the first media access control address as a destination address or a source address (Source Address); and a programmable logic device (Programmable Logic Device) Coupled to the central processing unit, the programmable logic component has a second media access control address and a third media access control address; wherein the central processor performs the second computer with the programmable logic component In the data exchange, the second media access control address is used as a data source or destination identifier, and the programmable logic component communicates with the first computer via the second network interface to exchange a second Ethernet The network frame, and the programmable logic component sends the IP packet in the second Ethernet frame to the upper layer protocol via the central processing unit. A remote management system, such that a first computer can interact with a second computer via a network. The remote management system includes at least: a central processing unit having a first link layer and a network layer The network layer is an upper layer protocol of the first link layer; a programmable logic element has a second link layer; and a first physical layer is receivable from the first computer via the network a network frame, the first network frame represents a keyboard and/or a cursor control signal of the first computer; and a second physical layer is configured to receive a second network message from the first computer via the network a second network frame representing a keyboard and/or cursor control signal of the first computer; and a network switch for transmitting the first network frame to the central processor, or the Transmitting the second network frame to the programmable logic component, and allowing the second link layer to communicate with the first link layer; wherein the programmable logic component can further convert the second network frame After a third network frame is processed by the network layer through the first link layer.